Irreligion in Belgium

In Belgium, irreligion and atheism holds sway over a large portion of the population, numbering around 25-30%.^[1][2] Due to pillarization which is in place in Belgium, irreligious individuals and families who desire to receive counseling and celebration for life moments often go to institutions of organized secularism, including secular organizations or liberal philosophical organizations (Dutch: vrijzinnige levensbeschouwelijke organisaties, French: organisations laïques) which are headed and led by clergy-like officials known as "counsellors".^[3] Religion has declined in Belgium.^[4][5]

References

1. "Special Eurobarometer 393" (PDF). Ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 2015-03-10.
2. "Beliefs about God across Time and Countries" (PDF). Norc.org. Retrieved 2012-07-04.
3. "Belgian Catholics Remain Anguished by Abuse". Nytimes.com. 2010-09-20. Retrieved 2012-06-25.
4. "Global Index of Religiosity and Atheism" (PDF). Gallup. Retrieved 2012-09-02.
5. "What happened to Belgium? Lament for a Catholic nation – Opinion – ABC Religion & Ethics (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)". Abc.net.au. Retrieved 2015-03-10.